"No, sir, I didn't, because I tumbled overboard, pot and all," replied
Smallbones.
"Tumbled overboard! why, I did not leave the ship till afterwards, and I
heard nothing about it."
"No, sir, how could you?" replied Smallbones, who was all prepared for
this explanation, "when the tide swept me past the saluting battery in
a moment."
"Past the saluting battery?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "why, how were you
saved?"
"Because, thanks to somebody, I be too light to sink. I went out to the
Nab buoy, and a mile ayond it."
"The Nab buoy!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
"Yes, and ayond it, afore the tide turned, and then I were swept back
again, and came into harbour again, just half-an-hour afore you
come aboard."
Mr Vanslyperken looked aghast; the lad must have had a charmed life.
Nine miles at least out to sea, and nine miles back again.
"It's as true as I stand here, sir," continued Smallbones; "I never were
so cold in all my life, a-floating about like a bit of duck-weed with
the tide, this way and that way."
"As true as you stand here!" repeated Vanslyperken; "but do you stand
here?" and he made a desperate grasp at the lad's arm to ascertain
whether he held substance or shadow.
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